In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best open-source apps for Windows 11. We’ve listed everything from productivity apps to utilities to professional-grade software. Expand the table below and see the list of applications.
LibreOffice:
LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that offers a range of productivity tools, including a word processor (Writer), a spreadsheet program (Calc), a presentation program (Impress), a drawing and flowcharting program (Draw), and a database management program (Base). It is a great alternative to Microsoft Office and is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, so you can easily open and save files in a variety of formats. LibreOffice is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
GIMP:
GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It is a free and open-source image editor that can be used for tasks ranging from basic photo editing to professional graphic design work. GIMP has a wide range of features, including layers, masks, filters, and brushes. It supports many file formats and has an active community of developers who create and share plugins and scripts to enhance its functionality. GIMP is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
VLC Media Player:
VLC Media Player is a free and open-source multimedia player that can play almost any video or audio format. It has many advanced features, such as subtitle support, the ability to play streaming media, and the ability to convert and stream media files. VLC is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Firefox:
Firefox is a free and open-source web browser that prioritizes privacy and security. It is known for its extensive add-ons library, which allows users to customize their browsing experience. Firefox has many features, including tabbed browsing, a built-in spell checker, and support for many web standards. It is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Audacity:
Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor and recorder that can be used for editing and enhancing audio recordings. It has a range of features, including the ability to record live audio, import and export various file formats, and add effects and filters to audio tracks. Audacity is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender:
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that includes modeling, animation, and rendering capabilities. It is used by artists, game developers, and designers to create a variety of 3D content. Blender has many features, including support for rigging, simulation, and compositing. It also has a built-in game engine that can be used to create games. Blender is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Inkscape:
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor that can be used to create everything from logos to illustrations. It has many features, including the ability to create complex paths, edit nodes, and apply gradients and patterns to shapes. Inkscape supports a range of file formats, including SVG, PDF, and EPS. Inkscape is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
HandBrake:
HandBrake is a free and open-source video transcoder that can convert video files to different formats, optimize them for various devices, and more. It has many features, including the ability to encode video using H.264, H.265, and MPEG-4, and the ability to add subtitles to videos. HandBrake is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
KeePass:
KeePass is a free and open-source password manager that allows you to securely store and manage your passwords. It has many features, including the ability to generate strong passwords, store passwords in an encrypted database, and organize passwords into groups for easy access. KeePass is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Thunderbird:
Thunderbird is a free and open-source email client that can be used to manage multiple email accounts. It has robust filtering and organization tools, and supports add-ons for additional functionality, such as calendar integration and encryption. Thunderbird is a cross-platform software that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
In conclusion, these free and open-source software offer a great alternative to proprietary software, and often have features that are comparable or even better than their commercial counterparts. They are also actively maintained and developed by a community of volunteers, making them a great option for users who value transparency and collaboration in software development.
